I did mine a few weeks ago. Very quick, out in 10 mins. I was at the Galway city office- they don't take walk-ins there from what I could see. Man ahead of me in queue had missed his appointment by 3 hours and they looked like they were not going to see him that day.

I got mine a few months ago. Eventually everyone will have one but at the moment they are giving priority to those who already get a payment from DSP, be it child benefit or whatever.

You need your passport or driving licence. It takes about 15 minutes and the card arrives in the post within a day or two. Then there is a phone number on the card which you ring and that activates the card.

I did not attend for the first appointment and had a letter very soon afterwards with another appointment along with a reminder that CB may be stopped if I don't attend.

Nothing to worry about shortie I got a letter too and couldn't fathom why but it's cos of children's allowance. All they do at appt is confirm you are who you are and take your photo for the card which comes in post a few weeks later.